The thing about life is that one day you’ll be dead (Knopf)David Shields wrote this book to relieve his terrible fear of death. He compares this fear with his ninety-something-year-old father's vigor and confidence. Although the book is full of facts about aging and death, it has the odd effect of making you feel thrilled to be alive.

FROM THIS EPISODE

The thing about life is that one day you’ll be dead (Knopf)David Shields wrote this book to relieve his terrible fear of death. He compares this fear with his ninety-something-year-old father's vigor and confidence. Although the book is full of facts about aging and death, it has the odd effect of making you feel thrilled to be alive.

Read an excerpt from The thing about life is that one day you'll be dead.